The Ultimate Hawaiian Cultural Adventure & Edu-Camp Teen Mentoring Project

  United States

• Other Cities in United States: 
Hawaii

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 5th-July15th (10 days)

Description: This is a unique 3-fold volunteer cultural and adventure program. Unlike anything out there, this program is geared to provide a fullfiling summer while making a difference in the lives of others, while expanding the knowledge of a new culture and the adventures teens will share with new found friends. This is a shorter version of our communty service 4 week program. Teens will earn a 100 hour certificate for their efforts and mentoring with the homeless children during a 6 day camp working alongside the homeless buddies they will be paired with.

Volunteer Experiences Include: Teens will be hands on with the keiki (children) learning and activities at the sleepover summer camp program. Enjoy sports, arts, and water fun activities. This camp is hosted in the tropical nature resort with all amenities and comforts. Helping these keiki to learn life-skills, healthy habits and build self-esteem to help create their brighter future. Teens will also be participating in marketing and fundraising events to help collect back to school supplies to give to their special camp buddy at the end of the adventure. After the day camp ends, teens will have hands on learning with Hawaiian Kumo (teachers). Lessons include hula dance, making authentic hula skirts and lei, luau, etc.

Culture Lessons: During this week teens will learn to create an Authentic Hawaiian Luau from start to finish. This includes making real ti'leaf hula skirts, learning the art of Hula, and a Mele (song) to dance at the farewell Luau presented to your camp buddies and their family. More lessons will include learning to play the Ukulele with our very own island famous musician with HI Town. We will also make the laulau the traditional main dish for a luau, along with preparing all the authentic dishes with the Hawaiian people. Teens will also be introduced to the Hawaiian language throughout the tour to make living the lifestyle like second nature.

Cultural Tours: Teens will experience the islands of Oahu and Hawai'i with native guides who will introduce them to the hidden and sacred areas of the island not typically ever seen by tourists. They will learn Hawaiian chants that help to connect with the ancestors and respect the 'aina (land). Teens will also be taking chartered tours for snorkeling, swimming, and visiting other island treasures. One of our highlights is the Surf Lessons by the world famous Pipe Line Champion Kevin Okimoto. Yes, the guy on TV will be teaching our teens how to surf and have them up in a matter of minutes surfing the waves of Waikiki. Teens will have the adventure of a lifetime to visit the active volcano which is ever changing, so every experience is a new one.

Adventure Tours: We will be driving both islands visiting the white and black sands beaches, body boarding, snorkeling and other water sports. Want more? Of course you do, all teens want more. We have it. Your adventures start early morning and don't end until the late nights. One promise we make, teens will ask to "rest"...no joke. We are so active with tours and adventure from hiking to waterfalls, touring Waipio Valley, snorkeling on the Hamakua coast and so much more. Tours will include interisland airfare, entrance fees, ground transportation, meals, photos...the whole package is exclusive to our program.
Grand Finale! The teens will actually present a complete luau. From the food, to the entertainment. The dancers will join the Brown Boys on stage to present their new found skills, and then be able to give their camp buddies and all their siblings a new backpack filled with school supplies, a new outfit and shoes to start their new school year off on the right foot and ready to succeed.

Highlights: Our Tour Highlights:
* Tuition is Tax deductible!
* Tours of the islands with adventure and water sports as well as the volcano
* 100 Hours of Community Service Certificate towards credits
* Cultural Living...not just a lesson or two, but the reality of being Hawaiian
* Making life-long friends with other teens
* Bonding with and changing the lives of homeless children!
* Experience of a life-time!
* Visiting sacred beaches and waterfalls
* Meeting local celebrities

Too much to list...

Qualifications: The qualifications for teens who wish to attend this years Project Hawai'i will need to be physically fit, open minded and ready for the experience of a lifetime. Teens will need to be between the ages of 14-18 years and enrolled in, or just graduated (2009) High School with a 3.0 gpa min. Teens will need to be able to work well with children between the ages of 4-8 years of age, and have team work experience. While we will help develop team work, mentoring skills and leadership qualities in your teen, we still require they are able to handle themselves in the positions this tour offers. There is also an application process to be completed upon registration. So if you have an open mind and compassionate heart, this is a wonderful once in a lifetime experience.

Cost in US$: USD 3,700.00 with early discount of USD 500.00 by Jan. 31, 2010

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers are open minded and willing to have new experiences. Usually outgoing and love to work with children. Teens are usually working for their higher education requirements for their resumes to enter into select Universities. It is good be adventurous and full of energy. Typically everyone attends this project because they care about the world around them and want to make positive changes while learning and exploring.

Age Range: 14-18 in high school or 2009 grad is okay

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 7-25

Scholarships are Available. We do have a few scholarship opportunities for the full 4 week program if you are interested

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Project Hawai'i with Cultural Institute of America's Mission Statement: A teen mentoring free summer camp for homeless children. Our mission is to empower teens to make a difference in their tomorrow while making changes in present through interactive solutions. Providing the teens leadership skills to enhance the lives of homeless children and helping to end the cycle of poverty in America. While learning about and exploring the Cultural asspects from true Hawaiians and Fostering Cultural Exchange, awareness and acceptance. "Making footsteps in the Hawaiian sands worth following"

Year Founded: 1990